Working long and hard hours isn’t exactly the key to success that many thought. In recent years when wellness and self-care have become personal goals to strive for, we need to realize that it’s okay to slow down, take a break, and get as much sleep as possible.
Society today is somehow requiring people to work overtime and develop an unhealthy commitment to work. Everyone is aware of how overwork could impact the physical and mental wellness of a sleep-deprived individual.
We must look at good performance as an incentive for ample sleep. Instead of sacrificing the hours you spend dozing off, get more of it. For that, here are a few tips to help you get started.
- Cut down on stimulants
Every worker needs a good cup of joe to beat the afternoon slump. Coffee is a good thing in this respect, but too much of a good thing can be harmful. While caffeine helps you focus, too much could overstimulate your body, making it harder for you to sleep during the night. The same is true if you’re devoted to energy drinks. It’s not that you should avoid these beverages outright. You just have to set limits on how much you consume each day. If you’re the type of person who can’t go a single day without a dose of caffeine, then try to limit your consumption in the earlier part of the morning.
- Stick to a specific sleep schedule
This might not be attainable if you’re working a job with frequent shift changes, but setting a sleep schedule is an effective way to train your body to crave for sleep. A routine will program your body to prepare for bed. To develop a routine, you only need to come up with a nightly ritual. Before going to bed at nine in the evening, take a hot bath and drink a warm cup of chamomile tea. Do this for a week and you will be able to unconsciously follow a bedtime habit you wouldn’t want to skip.
- Know how to deal with daylight savings time
Setting your clocks an hour ahead can spell sudden shifts in your body clock. One of the dangers of daylight savings time is lack of sleep which could also affect other activities such as driving and doing manual labor. You can avoid this by making sure your body transitions smoothly to DST. Take naps in the afternoon following the adjustment or, days before DST, you can go to bed earlier than your usual bedtime.
- Never overeat before hitting the hay
In most cases, your dieting habits could have a massive impact on your sleeping pattern. Stuffing yourself with food in the evening as a form of coping mechanism against stress could lower sleep quality. Acid reflux and indigestion prevent your body from staying relaxed, thereby making it difficult to fall asleep. If you can’t resist craving your favorite food after a long day at work, consider eating at least three hours before going to bed.
Endnote
When you start to lose sleep, it will take a heavy toll on your mind and body. Consider these tips and find time for quality sleep no matter how hectic life gets.
